Efficient alternate energy portable fuels are required to end our dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen holds the most promise in that reguard. Exploring the paths open for meeting the goal of energy independence is the object of this blog. Hopefully you will find it interesting and informative.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A Little Help Please. Global Average Surface Pressure Change

One of the most overlooked variables that relates to climate change is the surface conductivity of the atmosphere. It is over look because for all intents and purposes, it appears to be negligible. I think it probably is, but the equation seems to think other wise.

CO2 and CH4 improves the conductivity of air. Small improvement, but we are only looking at small changes, average air temperature changes conductivity. Average surface pressure changes conductivity. How much combined change is required to be significant?

In a warming world, the increased temperature decreases conductivity increasing warming. The increased warming increases latent convection increasing cooling. A reasonable counter balance of effects that regulate temperature. With CO2 and CH4 improving conductivity, surface warming would be less amplified by increased surface temperature, dampening one part of the temperature regulator. That should lead to a more stable temperature range, however, natural cooling cycles, solar plus the internal natural variability, could tend to increase the rate of cooling as the surface cools. Not a very good change in the feedback controls.

So CO2 could lead to a warmer stable climate or a wicked shift to a much colder climate, possibly a new glacial period. The Glacial period appears unlikely as does the stable climate, that leaves more wicked climate variability.

A reconstruction of the average sea level pressure of the past few decades may provide some insight into the future. I cannot locate such a product on the internet. Anyone know if such a product exists and possibly where?